"Be my friend and it shall be yours when we return from the sea. I bought it for you--for _you_; real, real gold too, of the best quality-- and such an exquisite turquoise! You needn't be ashamed to wear this _wherever_ you appear--even when, by-and-by, you are married to some rich, great man, you can still wear the little bracelet--the very best of its kind. See, I will write your name now before your eyes on the little box." Brenda took up a pencil and hastily wrote the following words on the back of the box: "Fanchon Amberley's gold and turquoise bracelet." "Why don't you say that you have given it to me?" said Fanchon. "No, no--I can add that by-and-by. If people happen to ask you the story about it, it may not be wise for it to appear that such a beautiful thing was given to you by a poor governess. Well now, here it is back again in the drawer, and you can go to bed, Fanchon. You are a very rich girl, and I am not quite as bad as you painted me, am I?" "No, no!" said Fanchon, who was completely won over, "you're a darling!" "Not a cat," whispered Brenda--"not a horrid pussy-cat?" "No--a darling, and my friend," said Fanchon and then she left the room a little giddily, for the thought of the bracelet seemed to weigh her down with uncontrollable bliss; she scarcely understood her own sensations. CHAPTER TWELVE. A TERRIBLE ALTERNATIVE. Nina was very poorly the next day and was forced to stay in bed. She could not eat any of the good things which had been provided for breakfast, and thought of herself as a much abused little martyr. Brenda's conduct to this naughty, greedy child was all that was exemplary. She gave her proper medicines and saw that her bedroom was made comfortable, and came in and out of the room like a ministering angel--as Mr Amberley said. Soon after noon, Nina was better, and as she had not the slightest idea what had taken place between Fanchon and her governess the night before, she said somewhat rudely to that pretty young woman, who was hemming some of the Reverend Josiah's handkerchiefs as she sat by the bedside: "Do go away please, Brenda, and send Fanchon to me." Brenda gave an angelic smile and immediately complied. A few minutes later Fanchon entered the room accompanied by Josephine. "Oh, you are better, are you?" said Fanchon, regarding her younger sister with small favour. "Well--I hope you have received your lesson and won't eat unlimited plum cake again, and finish off with lobster and crabs." "I hate l-lobsters and crabs!" moaned the victim. "They make me so s-sick--horrid things!" "Well, you're better now, so forget about them," said Fanchon. "Yes--I am better; _she_--the cat--she says that I am to have gruel for dinner! I _don't_ want it--horrid thing!" "Serves you right, say I!" cried Fanchon.